We welcome the fourth chapter of Distilia and Rob Bauer’s The Sins series. We’ve had calvados, armagnac and rum, now it is time for a single malt whisky. Not just any whisky: a 30 year old Springbank 1994. Only 112 bottles were bottled – apparently half of the cask went to Taiwan.
In the meantime sin number five has been announced: cognac Lhéraud vintage 1980.
Springbank 30 yo 1994 ‘Envy’ (48,6%, Distilia ‘The Sins’ 2024, refill sherry cask #94, 112 btl.)
Nose: quite a harmonious version, with some blackberries and worn leather, along with old walnuts and mint tea with dark honey. Classic chalky notes and seaweed, rye bread crust and mineral oils. Then whiffs of polished brassware, as well as some fresh sea spray and light menthol. Just a touch of vanilla too. The sherry is a tad musty, but otherwise it’s a highly balanced nose.
Mouth: nicely dry and leafy, with a generous amount of tobacco leaves, plenty of oily / greasy notes and cigar boxes. More walnuts, along with pecans. Subtle petrol, black peppercorns and cough medicine. A fresh lemony note, some berries, chalk again, a little honey, and faint earthy notes. Then it gets more herbal with cedarwood and a very subtle tarry edge.
Finish: medium, still nicely balanced. Walnuts, tobacco, autumnal leaves and a wee hint of salty bouillon.
Perhaps I expected something even more fierceful for a sin such as ‘envy’. On the other hand, definitely a classic Springbank (especially on the palate) with a good dose of funk and plenty of autumnal hints. Available from Distilia’s website.